Patrolman Enright was shot and killed attempting to apprehend two burglary suspects. The two suspects had been spotted breaking into a bakery at 901 Third Avenue in Manhattan by a private security officer. He signaled for assistance and pursued the suspects who were fleeing in a horse brawn wagon. Patrolman Enright joined the pursuit and the suspect abandoned the wagon at the corner of East 51st Street and Third Avenue. They fled on 51st Street, one suspect going east and the other west. Patrolman Enright pursued one suspect east on 51st Street when the suspect turned and fired shots from his revolver, striking Patrolman Enright in the stomach and killing him.

Another Patrolman who heard the shots ran to assist and pursued the suspect until he was shot and wounded twice by the suspect.

Three other officers pursued the suspect to a basement at the corner of 1st Avenue and 51st Street where they exchanged shots with the suspect. The suspect was apprehended in the basement of the location after being wounded by the gunfire.